The fighting broke out on Sunday after a deadline set by separatists from the Southern Transitional Council (STC) for Mr Hadi to dismiss prime minister Ahmed bin Daghr's government expired.

Image:Supporters of southern Yemeni separatists take part in a protest in Aden

The STC - an autonomous body not recognised by the government and aimed at overseeing self-governance in southern provinces - has accused the government of corruption and mismanagement, which it denies.